EXPLORA EN PATAGONIA, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

We have a soft spot for great hotels plunked down in a spectacular, isolated natural region—especially when it manages not to sully the natural beauty of the place. While the United States has its standouts (Wyoming's Amangani springs to mind), the best example of this is the Explora resort in the wilds of Patagonia. It's certainly not easy to get to (a four-hour flight from Santiago and then a five-and-a-half-hour journey by auto), but, hey, the end-of-the-world ambience is precisely the point. The property sits in the shadow of the jagged, snowcapped Torres del Paines mountains. Not a single other structure mars the view, and you feel as if you have the wilderness all to yourself. The emphasis here, not surprisingly, is on the great outdoors, with daily glacier hikes, horseback rides, and, for the brave-hearted, swims in the ice-cold lake (sybarites will prefer the heated indoor pool and outdoor hot tubs). Rooms themselves are large and contain furniture made by local artisans; all rooms have mountain views. Trust us, though: You won't be spending much time in them.

Explora en Patagonia
Tel: 866 750 6699 (toll-free)
Tel: 562 206 6060
From $2,476 per person for for nights, including airport transfers, meals, alcohol, and excursions

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